Laser Marking Parameters for Different Types of Ceramic (PDF)

It provides a laser marking parameter comparison table for different ceramic materials, including alumina, silicon carbide, and zirconia. It also provides advice on key parameters such as power, speed, and frequency, and a downloadable parameter comparison table, helping users quickly get to grips with ceramic laser marking processes, and improving marking efficiency and precision.

Why do ceramic marking parameters need to be customized?

There are many different ceramic materials, and the different constituents and firing processes affect the absorption rate.For example, aluminum oxide is hard and has good thermal conductivity, so if the laser power is too low, the marking won't be clear. And with high-reflectivity materials like zirconium oxide, if the parameters are wrong, you can easily "fuzz up" the surface.We have to tailor our methods to the characteristics of the materials, so that the marks are effective and the equipment is protected.

The parameters of mainstream ceramic materials.

Alumina (Al2O3) (96 % pure).

The power should be set at 20 to 30 watts, the speed at 800 to 1200 mm / s, and the frequency at 20 kHz.If the color of the markings is too light, the speed can be reduced to 600mm / s to increase contrast.

Silicon carbide ceramics.

Such materials have good light absorption, so that 15-25 watts of power is sufficient, but the frequency must be raised to over 30kHz to avoid burning at the edges.Remember to wipe the surface with alcohol to remove any dust before stamping, or else you will end up with a pockmarked surface.

Zirconia ceramic (dental / decorative).

The most difficult materials to engrave are those with a high degree of reflectivity.The key is to reduce the frequency to 15 kHz, which combined with the slow movement of 200 mm / s, produces a finer line.

How to avoid pitfalls in parameter settings.

If the marker is turning yellow, it's probably because the frequency is too high, and the heat is building up. Try lowering it 5 kHz.

If the depth of the marks is inconsistent, check if the lens is dirty or if the worktable is level.

Don't just blindly copy the parameters after downloading the data sheet. The actual output power of lasers of different brands may vary by 10-15 %. The most reliable way is to first use scrap material to do a gradient test.

Free download of the parameter comparison table.

At the end of the article we have prepared a detailed table of parameters for 12 different types of ceramics (supporting both CO2 and fiber lasers), which you can click on to obtain an Excel document.There is a special column for "safety threshold," and a beginner can follow these parameters and not get into trouble.